There’s something quietly magical about winter nights.
The air turns crisp, the skies clear, and the world slows down just enough for you to look up – and get lost in the stars.
Winter is stargazing season. The nights are longer, the evenings darker, and the sky feels like it stretches on forever. Even better? You don’t need to stay up late to catch the show. For the clearest view, plan your stargazing around a new moon or moonless night – when the sky is at its darkest and the stars burn their brightest.
But stargazing isn’t just about looking up.
It’s about pressing pause. Sharing quiet moments with someone you love. Letting the silence settle in, as nature’s finest spectacle unfolds above you.
Here are some of our favourite Tasman Holiday Parks where the night sky truly comes to life:
1. Cairns Cool Waters, QLD.
Imagine tropical nights, the soft rustle of palms, and a velvet sky overhead peppered with stars. While Cairns itself has the usual city lights, just an hour inland you’ll find the Atherton Tablelands – where the night sky opens up like a canvas. Think peaceful lakeside moments at Lake Tinaroo, where the Milky Way spills across the sky in breathtaking clarity. Want to go deeper? Book a Night Sky Secrets tour and gaze through powerful telescopes while hearing ancient Aboriginal stories that bring the cosmos to life in a way you’ll never forget.
Credit: Granite Gorge Nature Park – Image Credit IG haggisspringrolls
2. Merool on the Murray, NSW.
There’s something grounding about sitting by the Murray River, wrapped in a blanket, eyes lifted to a shimmering sky.
At Merool on the Murray, you’ll find wide open spaces and barely any light pollution – perfect for spotting constellations reflected in the river’s still waters.
And if you’re ready for the ultimate star adventure, the Warrumbungle National Park, Australia’s first official Dark Sky Park, is just a few hours’ drive away. Home to the Siding Spring Observatory and some of the largest optical telescopes in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s the kind of place where the universe feels close enough to touch.
Credit: Kuaotunu Dark Sky Community
3. Coromandel, NZ.
The Coromandel Peninsula is a place where nature’s beauty doesn’t end at sunset – it’s just the beginning. With skies so dark they rival official Dark Sky Reserves, you can see the Milky Way stretch like a shimmering river across the night, especially in the heart of winter. If you’re lucky, the elusive Aurora Australis might even paint the sky with ethereal greens and purples. For a guided journey into the stars, visit the Stargazers Astronomy Tours and Observatory near Whitianga – where expert guides help you unlock the secrets of planets, nebulae, and distant galaxies. Stargazing here isn’t just a pastime; it’s a soulful experience that connects you to the vastness beyond.
4. St Helens, TAS.
Tasmania is famous for its pristine skies and St Helens is no exception. On clear winter nights, the stars here seem impossibly bright – free from city lights, with the Southern Cross and Milky Way front and centre.
From your cabin or campsite, step outside into the crisp Tasman air and gaze up. There’s even the chance – on rare nights – to experience the Aurora Australis, dancing in shades of pink, green, and violet along the southern horizon.
Whether you’re sharing a quiet moment by the campfire or simply lying back to watch the sky, St Helens is the kind of place where the universe feels just a little closer.
Credit: Bay of Fires Aurora! – Luke O’Brien Photography
Tips for Your Stargazing Adventure:
– Bring a cosy blanket and layers – it’s winter, after all.
– Use a stargazing app like Sky Guide or Stellarium to help identify constellations.
– Pack a red-light torch to preserve your night vision.
– A warm mug of hot chocolate or tea? Non-negotiable.
– Make it fun -spot satellites, count shooting stars, or just lie back and let your mind wander.
